New look Kilkenny side named to face Westmeath in Walsh Cup opener

There is a fresh new look to the Kilkenny team as they get ready to open their inter-county season with a trip to the Downs GAA Club to meet Westmeath in the Walsh Cup on Sunday.

Kilkenny boss Derek Lyng has put his trust in a number of newcomers as they look to impress in the Noresiders first competitove outing of the year.

Of the starting team, only the likes of Aidan Tallis, Shane Murphy, Darragh Corcoran, Killian Doyle, Luke Connellan and Gearoid Dunne have any extended senior experience as kilkenny look to kickstart the year on a winning note.

With unlimited substitutions also permitted in the pre-season competition, there will also be chances for the likes of Paddy Langton, Jeff Neary and Cillian Hackett to make a mark.

The game throws-in at 1.30pm and a competitive encounter is anticipated as the Cats make the jourey to the Lake County.

Kilkenny team to face Westmeath- Aidan Tallis (Lisdowney); Rory Garrett (Fenians), Ivan Bolger (Graignamanagh), Conor McMahon (Erin's Own); David Barcoe (Clara), Darragh Corcoran (Shamrocks Ballyhale), Shane Murphy (Glenmore); Killian Doyle (Emeralds), Cathal Beirne (Glenmore); Luke Connellan (Thomastown), Liam Moore (Dicksboro), Michael Brennan (Erin's Own); Ed McDermott (James Stephens), Marty Murphy (Tullogher Rosbercon), Gearoid Dunne (Tullaroan).

Subs- Diarmuid Galway (Thomastown), Niall Rowe (Dicksboro), Brian Staunton (Thomastown), Shane Staunton (Clara), Paddy Langton (Young Irelands), Jeff Neary (Graigue Ballycallan), Cillian Hackett (Dicksboro), James Walsh (Kilmacow), Niall Shortall (Shamrocks Ballyhale), Brian Kavanagh (Lisdowney), Adam Croke (Mooncoin).